Pierce O'Leary vs Mark Chamberlain

This one should evolve into a proper tear-up at some stage. Pierce O’Leary is back at the 3Arena in Dublin defending the IBO world super-lightweight title he won by forcing Maxi Hughes to retire after five rounds in March. Mark Chamberlain was meant to be in the opposite corner that night before illness pulled him out, so there is unfinished business here. O’Leary is unbeaten at 19-0, while Chamberlain comes in at 17-1-1 after a draw with Jack Rafferty and that shock defeat to Josh Padley in 2024.

O’Leary is the tighter, more spiteful pressure fighter. He is not just steaming in; he sets his feet, rolls forward, and lets shots go in bunches. Chamberlain is a southpaw with sharp hands and a bit of snap about him, but the question is whether he can keep a hard, hungry Dublin fighter off him for 10 or 12 proper rounds when the noise is bouncing off the walls. He has ability, no doubt, but lately he has looked more vulnerable than he did on the way up.

The nuts and bolts for O’Leary are simple: his advantage is physical pressure with shape. He gets close without completely falling over his front foot, and when he goes body-head, he makes opponents work when they want a breather. His danger is getting too emotional at home. Dublin will be roaring, but if he loads up looking for the big Hollywood finish, Chamberlain is quick enough to nick him clean.

For Chamberlain, the key is the southpaw jab and the left hand down the pipe. He has to make O’Leary reset, not just cover up. If Chamberlain can step around after punching, especially to his right, he can make O’Leary chase shadows for spells. But if he backs straight up with his chin in the air, he’ll get clipped on the whiskers.

My prediction is O’Leary on points. Chamberlain will have good moments early, maybe even make it look clever for three or four rounds, but O’Leary’s engine, pressure and body work will start taking the legs away. By the late rounds, I see Chamberlain losing rounds as the 3Arena crowd roar their man home.